Crunchy Potato Carrés (Potato Squares) 🍟

These potato carrés are a delicious, crispy treat made with simple ingredients like fresh parsley, green onions, and mashed potatoes. Fried to perfection, they’re crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect for a snack or as a side dish, these crispy potato squares will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive into how to make them!

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes
  Choose firm, starchy potatoes (like Russets) for the best texture and crispiness.
• 2 cups fresh chopped parsley (haché persil)
  Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh, herby flavor to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon chicken soup or mashed green onions (ciboulette)
  This adds a savory depth to the potatoes. Green onions work wonderfully for a subtle onion flavor.
• 2 tablespoons corn starch (maïs fécule)
  Cornstarch helps bind the mixture together and creates a crispier exterior when fried.
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  For seasoning the potatoes. Adjust to your taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild heat and complements the other flavors.
• Frying oil
  Choose an oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or sunflower oil, to ensure crispiness without burning.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

• Peel and grate the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and grate them finely using a box grater or a food processor. Grating the potatoes ensures they cook evenly and crisply.
• Remove excess moisture: Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for getting crispy fries.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

• In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, chopped parsley, mashed green onions or chicken soup, and cornstarch.
• Add the salt and black pepper to taste.
• Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The corn starch will help bind everything together, and the salt and pepper will season the potatoes.

Step 3: Shape the Potato Squares

• Spread the potato mixture evenly on a flat surface or large plate, about 1/4 inch thick.
• Cut the mixture into squares: Once spread out, divide the mixture into small square portions, about 1 inch by 1 inch per piece. You can use a knife or even a pizza cutter for a clean cut.

Step 4: Fry the Potato Squares

• Heat oil in a skillet: Pour the frying oil into a frying pan or skillet. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). You can test the temperature by dropping in a small piece of potato – if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
• Fry in batches: Carefully add the potato squares to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Drain excess oil: Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the potato squares and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 5: Serve

• Enjoy: Serve the crunchy potato carrés hot and crispy, either as a delicious side dish or a satisfying snack. They go perfectly with a dip or on their own as a tasty treat!

Serving Suggestions:

• Dips: Serve with a variety of dips, such as sour cream, ketchup, or a spicy mayo dip.
• As a Side Dish: These potato squares pair well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
• As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own for a quick and tasty snack or appetizer.

Tips & Variations:

• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like chives, rosemary, or thyme to add unique flavors to the fritters.
• Cheese: For a cheesy twist, try mixing in some grated cheese, like Parmesan or cheddar, into the potato mixture.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the mixture if you like your potato squares with a bit of heat.
• Oven-Baked Version: If you’d like to avoid frying, you can brush the shaped squares with a little oil and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.

Why You’ll Love These Potato Carrés:

• Crispy & Delicious: The outside gets perfectly crispy, while the inside stays soft and tender.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with common kitchen staples, this recipe is easy to make and budget-friendly.
• Customizable: The recipe is versatile enough to add your own flavors and mix-ins.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack, a party appetizer, or a side dish, these potato squares are sure to please everyone!

Enjoy your crunchy and delightful potato carrés with a refreshing dip or on their own – they’re bound to become your new favorite snack! 😋